Spirit and Refinement Schumann from the Nash Ensemble - heard by HOWARD SMITH '... the ensemble seems incapable of turning a single dull phrase.'

Robert Schumann (born Zwickau, 1810 and died Bonn, 1856), composer, pianist, cognoscente and influential music critic, was one of the greatest, most representative composers of the Romantic era (c1770-c1850).

When a Schumann CD crosses my orbit more often than not it features a symphony orchestra, a lieder singer, a string quartet or a solo pianist.

These works for (in their turn) oboe, clarinet, horn, violin and viola were all written during a span of four years prior to the final onset of meningioma, aggravated bipolar disorder or syphilis/mercury poisoning: whichever had afflicted the composer and finally led to his death aged forty-six.

The logic in bringing them together on a single disc is self-evident and truly welcome...

ROBERT SCHUMANN

HYPERION RECORDS LTD

LAWRENCE POWER